Thankful Thursday: Dare To Let The Sun Shine

 I almost decided not to post this morning, but then I remembered it was Thankful Thursday.
How could I ignore a day when all of us should look around and count our blessings?

I know. Sometimes it's hard to see the good parts. Sometimes there are giant "monstery" clouds blocking the way, the rain is falling hard, and you are lost without the slightest idea of where to find a map.
Sometimes it actually feels good to wallow in pity, sit in the darkness, let that little pain or big heartbreak rock you to numbness.
Personally, I've crawled into a day-cave more than once this winter. I've marinated in laziness and self-doubt and disillusionment. I've closed the blinds, locked the doors, and grown stagnant. I've been beaten up with my own hands and silenced by my own will.


But, sometimes, you just have to crawl to the window and dare to let the sun shine. Sometimes you have to move to a place where happiness can find you. Uncover yourself. Break those imaginary chains. Be free.


Today there wasn't that bright pink sunrise that I was waiting for. There weren't sweet birds chirping special songs. There wasn't green warmth, new excitement, or an aura of promise.

There were only gray clouds and cold raindrops and the earth seeped with the weariness of winter.


But, I pulled up the blind and sat in my chair and drank my dose of morning coffee.

Suddenly I saw three deer prancing across the back yard, their white tails flipping cautiously about, their long necks dipping every so often for a bite of something green.
They made their way around the fence and into the field and disappeared beyond the neighbor's pond.


Then I saw a Cardinal- its bright red wings floating over the brown landscape- its head tilting as if to question the bits of cracked corn I tossed out yesterday. 

Those gifts of  nature were a soft spot in my hard world. 

They were symbols that life must go on- even when the sun doesn't shine. It reminds us that we must all persevere, face our battles, and stand tall against any negative forces that blind us to God's beauty and our blessings.


There is no sunshine today. But I'm pretending. 
I'm drawing a map of my life and I'm taking that first step out of this winter cave.
I'm reaping smiles, singing songs, shedding old skin...


It is time to be thankful.... And I am.